Wednesday, June 24, 2009

This Week's Featured Market Vendor

AREA WINERY PARTICIPATES IN BOTEOURT FARMERS' MARKET

Virginia Mountain Vineyards (http://www.vmvines.com/) was created by David and Marie Gibbs on top of Zion Hill on Old Fincastle Road, north of Fincastle. In 1998, they first planted five acres of Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc vines, followed by two acres of Traminette in 2002 and three acres of Petit Verdot and Merlot in 2003. VMV has been making wine since 2000, commercially since the first crush in 2005. The winery opened in June of 2006.

Although Virginia Mountain Vineyards is part of the Botetourt Wine Trail and participates in many area festivals, some local visitors to their table at the Botetourt Farmers' Market have been surprised to find that they exist! They offer tastings and wine for sale at the Farmers' Market (US220N at Ikenberry's on Saturdays from 8am-1pm) when they are not attending area festivals. As David recently remarked: "Ikenberry's Orchards has been very supportive in providing a home for Botetourt's first Farmers' Market. We greatly thank them for their commitment to family-owned farms in the county".

A chance to enjoy the winery along with some good music is happening on Saturday, June 27. As part of the Botetourt Wine Trail Summer Evening Concert Series, Virginia Mountain Vineyards will host the popular Roanoke band "Solrevolt" from 6-9 pm at the winery (rain date Sunday, June 28, 2-5pm). Bring your blanket or chair and enjoy a festive evening of live music surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains. Entrance fee includes a souvenir wine glass and tasting. Food will be available for purchase.

Truly a family effort, David and Marie Gibbs have been assisted by their adult children Jason and Julie and David's mother, Yvette Gibbs, who moved to Daleville from Massachusetts a few years ago. The winery is also open for tasting and purchase on Wednesday through Sunday, 12-5 pm. Tours of the vineyard and winery are offered and groups and private parties can be accommodated. Telephone: 473-2979.